Fred Flare Snail Mail Valentine's

I really think this is an awesome idea! Brought to you by Fred Flare

Okay, so I had this weird idea?? How AMAZING would it be if we could get lots of people to handmake one-of-a-kind valentines, then donate the proceeds from the sales of these valentines to a good cause? Sounds like fun, right?

Pls allow me to outline how this is gonna work in three easy steps… Simple!

1) MAKE A VALENTINE
You can make it out of anything… Construction paper, collage, paint, crayon, a print of a photo you took, write a poem, make a mix tape, whatever ya feel like! Be sure to include a matching envelope.

2) SEND YOUR VALENTINE + ENVELOPE TO FF BEFORE JAN 15TH
Ya can just pop both in another envelope and send it regular mail to SNAIL MAIL VALENTINES c/o fredflare.com, 300F Kingsland Av, Brooklyn NY 11222. Hurry! Your valentine MUST be postmarked no later than Thurs, Jan 15th to participate. That’s only 10 days away. DON’T flake on me, peeps!

3) YOUR VALENTINE WILL DEBUT ON FF THE LAST WEEK OF JANUARY
All valentines will be sold online and in our new Brooklyn store for the super friendly price of ONLY $4 EACH and ALL the proceeds from the sales of these valentines will go directly to Elder Craftsmen, an NYC based organization that brings craft workshops to local senior citizens. Our last charity event raised $5K. Can we beat it? With your amazing creation in the mix, I know we can!

Please upload your Valentines to this group so we can see all the great ideas you come up with!

Day of the Head

I really like these toys by Day of the Head. I love the color combinations and expressions.

Jackpot.

Today I woke up and was so happy. I finished my first quilt last night and feel really excited about it. But then I went to the litter box and there was blood. OH NO!!! It appears that my little Jackpot has something wrong with her. I am taking her to the vet tomorrow but I am really scared because I don't want anything to happen to her and because I don't have much money to shell out on vet bills. Why does it always seem like you can never get ahead? As if things aren't scary as is. Anyways, this is a little post for my little Jackie, the one and only heart breaker.

This guy looks more like Jackie's sister, Frankie who is also the biggest attention whore in the world!



This cat is cute.



I think Frankie would be more inclined to explore Space than Jackie would. This cat would surely give advice on how to get there.



Jackpot is just really sweet and makes the most adorable squeaking noise you have ever heard. She looks just as sweet as this lady



You could make this kitty to look like your very own.



If Jackpot was in plush form, this is what she would kinda look like but bigger :)

Extreme Craft

Oh man! I want to do this. I wish I saw it earlier. I wonder if there is still time?
Here is a little bit more about it. Link

We are seeking submissions for 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse, an upcoming book by Garth Johnson of ExtremeCraft.com, which will feature 21st Century craft and design, all made with recycled, upcycled, repurposed and reused items. We are looking for the best examples of paper and book arts, jewelry, clothing, home and personal accessories, furniture, art, and miscellanea for possible publication. We invite designers, artists, visionaries and crafters of all stripes to submit their work.

High quality photography is essential. We are looking for photographs of the finished work, not step-by-step shots. All images must be AT LEAST 1400x1750 pixels at 300 dpi. There is no entry form for the book--all we need is the Grant of Rights form and an image list in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Please upload them with your images

Help Save Handmade Toys!

Here is how

Stuffed

I was asked to do an interview for this new magazine, Stuffed. It looks cool. I need to check it out!

Pincushions

I know I have mentioned this before but I thought it was super funny when I asked people in the Plush You book what was an essential supply for them. A lot of folks said a CUTE pincushion. With the new year (happy new year btw) I thought many of you might have a lot of crafty goals for the new year. I know I do. Pincushions will undoubtedly be necessary. If you need a new pincushion for the new year...here are some great ones.

Feltmates makes wickedly cute pincushions for an amazing price!



This is a really cute one with Daisy's from The Blue Daisy



This little squirrel is the sweetest little thing. I would almost hate to stick it with pins!



This would make a great present for a sewer who has everything.



Or this necklace!



I like this too



What is your first craft project for 2009? I am working on a rug. My favorite friend in the whole world, we have been friends since Brownies, is visiting me in a few weeks and my goal is to get it done by the time she arrives. I'll take a few pictures of my progress but I am super excited about it!